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The European Commission in the past has updated the regulations regarding marine operations in order to enhance safety and protection of the environment. In that respect and with the scope to enhance safety onboard ships, Regulation No 391/2009 and in particular Article 10 on certification of ships suggested that EU Recognised Organisations (EU ROs) should harmonise their rules and procedures related to certification of materials, equipment and components based on equivalent standards issued by them. As a result the EU ROs Mutual Recognition (MR) scheme was initiated. This article investigates the current implementation of the requirements of Article 10 through the developed questionnaire and case studies. The results have shown that while safety is considered at the highest level, the current implementation needs further improvement and harmonisation of individual rules which can be delivered as the process matures. Additional information and dissemination of the overall MR process is also required engaging all marine industry. The current implementation is regarded as acceptable; however, the expansion of the scheme is a cause for concern. Finally, global acceptance of the MR scheme remains a challenge to be overcome.

The European Commission has, in the past, updated regulations regarding marine operations in order to enhance safety and protection of the environment. In that respect and with the scope to enhance safety onboard ships, Regulation No 391/2009 and in particular Article 10.1 on certification of ships, suggested that European Union Recognised Organisations (EU ROs) should harmonise their rules and procedures related to certification of materials, equipment and components based on equivalent standards issued by them. As a result the EU ROs Mutual Recognition (MR) scheme was initiated. This paper investigates the current implementation of the requirements of Article 10 through a developed questionnaire and case studies. The results have shown that the current level of implementation is regarded as acceptable and safety is adhered to the highest standard. Moreover, the current implementation needs further improvement and harmonisation of individual rules may be required. EU RO requirements can be further developed in the future as the overall process matures. Additional information and dissemination of the overall MR process is also required engaging additional stakeholders in the marine industry. However, the expansion of the scheme presents challenging issues to overcome including the global acceptance of the MR certification.

The European Commission has, in the past, updated regulations regarding marine operations in order to enhance safety and protection of the environment. In that respect and with the scope to enhance safety onboard ships, Regulation No 391/2009 and in particular Article 10.1 on certification of ships, suggested that European Union Recognised Organisations (EU ROs) should harmonise their rules and procedures related to certification of materials, equipment and components based on equivalent standards issued by them. As a result the EU ROs Mutual Recognition (MR) scheme was initiated. This paper investigates the current implementation of the requirements of Article 10 through a developed questionnaire and case studies. The results have shown that the current level of implementation is regarded as acceptable and safety is adhered to the highest standard. Moreover, the current implementation needs further improvement and harmonisation of individual rules may be required. EU RO requirements can be further developed in the future as the overall process matures. Additional information and dissemination of the overall MR process is also required engaging additional stakeholders in the marine industry. However, the expansion of the scheme presents challenging issues to overcome including the global acceptance of the MR certification.

Tidal lagoons are presented as an environmentally friendly alternative to tidal barrages. This does not mean that their environmental impacts can be overlooked. A UK government review recommended a pilot scheme lagoon go ahead, with careful environmental monitoring. Despite recent government rejection of a lagoon scheme, it is still more important than ever to consider environmental solution options for any future lagoon developments. There are no operating lagoons in the world and so their environmental impacts are not fully understood. However, there is a vast quantity of literature available from other industries addressing similar impacts in the coastal, ocean and river environments. This systematic review follows the PRISMA and CEE guidance. Using this methodology the available literature covering relevant solution options from other industries that could be applied to future lagoon developments was quantified. This presents an investigation into solution options only, giving a quantitative analysis of what resources are available, how this compares to industry understanding, where the expertise lies globally, what impacts are being addressed and how applicable the solutions are for lagoon application. This paper analyses the extent and relevance of this available research on solutions as a resource for the nascent lagoon industry. Over half of the solutions found in this review require only small shifts in development for them to be realistic solution options for the lagoon industry in the future. This review opens the door on a vast and valuable resource and justifies the need for further investigation into solutions for the lagoon industry.

Tidal lagoons are an attractive renewable energy option that could aid the UK in meeting its ambitious renewable energy targets. One of the main barriers to tidal range development in the UK to date has been regulatory environmental concern. In order for the nascent lagoon industry to move forward into development, the views of the developers and other influential stakeholders such as government bodies, regulators, conservationists and practitioners (herein referred to as 'influencing stakeholders' or 'influencers') need to be aligned. This study is the first of its kind using online questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to present and compare the views of both developers and influencing stakeholders on the environmental interactions of tidal lagoons. We find that, whilst both influencers and developers are working towards the common goal of a good environmental outcome for tidal lagoons, there are mismatches in their views in terms of the priorities given to the key environmental impacts, benefits and potential solution options. The work provides insight into what is at the forefront of developers' and influencers' minds, highlighting the key themes within their views and transforming this information into policy recommendations that will help the industry's development move forward.